Our Speech & Language Therapists

Holly Harder, MA, CCC-SLP

Holly Harder is a Speech-Language Pathologist with EASTCONN’s Related Services Group. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Connecticut. Prior to working for EASTCONN, Holly was employed by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for 29 years. At DDS Holly provided speech, language, and dysphagia services to children and adults with a variety of cognitive, physical, and behavioral disabilities. Currently, Holly is providing speech and language services to students attending public and private schools in Northeastern-Connecticut. Holly can be reached at hharder@eastconn.org.

JoAnne Lambert, M.S. CCC/SLP

JoAnne Lambert is a Speech Language Pathologist within EASTCONN’S Related Services group as well as a member of the Assistive Technology Team. JoAnne has a strong interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Rhode Island. JoAnne provides a wide range of speech and language services across Northeast Connecticut including assessment and intervention for a variety of communication disorders. JoAnne has also worked with children and families within the home setting providing Birth-to-Three services through EASTCONN. Prior to working for EASTCONN, Joanne worked as a medical-based speech-language pathologist for over 10 years, providing speech and language services to both adults and children with speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders. JoAnne has received training in topic areas including LAMP and PECS. JoAnne can be reached at jlambert@eastconn.org.

Michelle Plucenik, M.S., CCC-SLP

Ms. Plucenik is a Speech–Language Pathologist with EASTCONN’s Related Service Group. She received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University in 1983. Prior to joining the EASTCONN team Ms. Plucenik worked for the Early Connections Birth to Three Program and the CT Department of Developmental Services. Ms. Plucenik provided a wide range of services including, home visits, assessments, consultation and direct intervention for children of all ages. In addition she served as the SLP at Camp Quinebaug, a summer day camp for children with special needs and as a liaison for families to coordinate speech services between school systems, DDS and community therapies. She has extensive experience with children having genetic, neurological and/or intellectual disorders including autism.

Michelle M. Tharp, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

Michelle Tharp is a Speech-Language Pathologist with EASTCONN’s clinical day treatment programs located in Killingly and Columbia CT. She currently provides services for students ranging in grades K-12. These services include assessment, treatment and consultation with academic, health services and vocational staff. Ms. Tharp graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She has a varied experiential background treating ages ranging from birth to adulthood. She has provided services in many settings including in the home, hospital, nursing home and schools. Michelle can be contacted at MTharp@eastconn.org.

Sarah Turner, M.S. CCC-SLP

Sarah Turner is a Speech-Language Pathologist with EASTCONN’s Related Service Group. She graduated from Northeastern University with a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Prior to working with EASTCONN, Sarah was employed by a private school in Massachusetts where she provided speech and language treatment for children and young adults with autism. Currently, Sarah provides a wide range of services, including treatment, assessment and consultation for schools across the northeastern portion of Connecticut. Sarah can be contacted at sturner@eastconn.org

Nikki Pannone, SLPA

Nikki Pannone is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant with EASTCONN’s Related Services Group. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and worked at The Cove Center where she assisted adults with developmental disabilities. She created and implemented individualized plans for those adults to become productive and responsible members of their communities. She then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree, also from Rhode Island College, in Communications with a concentration in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science. She started working at EASTCONN in 2009 and has worked with students from ages 5-21.